SOPRANO

A Saviour's Lullaby

In November 2016, I won the Chetham's School of Music Biennial Carol Competition, with my piece 'A Saviour's Lullaby'. The competition was judged by Matthew Owens - Director of Music at Wells Cathedral.

This was a very exciting time for me as - admittedly - winning the competition was definitely unexpected (as composition was my third study at Chetham's, alongside voice and piano). I contemplated taking part for a long time before finally entering as I had never written choral music before. My inspiration - I think - stemmed from having a very musical family background with strong connections to the Salvation Army. Throughout my childhood I have sung, played/accompanied on the piano, and played carols in brass bands. I do believe that it was these roots that allowed me to create the carol and I am so glad that I did eventually find the courage to enter the competition. (You never know unless you try, eh?).

'A Saviour's Lullaby' is written for SATB choir, with a soprano/treble solo to begin the first verse. All of the text is my own, which was another aspect to composition that was completely new to me at the time.

My carol was premiered by Chetham's Chamber Choir in Manchester Cathedral for St. Anne's Hospice's 'Light up a Life' service, which was featured on BBC's program 'Christmas City' a year ago this week. That same week, the carol was performed once again in Manchester Cathedral by Chetham's Y12 for the Chetham's 'Christmas Music' service.

Since it's premiere, 'A Saviour's Lullaby' has had interest from choirs around the UK and abroad.